Physics World Weekly Podcast

New and exciting technologies feature in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. Our first guest is the neuroscientist and physicist Jelena Lazovic Zinnanti, who recalls how she discovered (by accident) that nanometre-sized diamond particles shine brightly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments. Based at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, she explains how this diamond dust could someday replace gadolinium as a contrast agent in MRI medical scans. This episode also features an interview with Mahdi Bodaghi of Nottingham Trent University, who is an expert in 4D and 3D printing. He talks about the engineering principles that guide 4D printing and how the technique can be used in a wide range of applications including the treatment of coronary heart disease and the design of flatpack furniture. Bodaghi also explains how 3D printing can be used to create self-healing asphalt. Mahdi Bodaghi is on the editorial board of the journal Smart Materials and Structures. It is published by IOP Publishing, which also brings you Physics World.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast explores how medical physicists are using exciting new technologies to make precision medicine possible. Our guests are Anna Barnes, Director of the King’s Technology Evaluation Centre at Kings College London and President of IPEM, and Nicky Whilde, who is head of radiotherapy physics at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Tami Freeman, Whilde and Barnes define the key concepts of precision medicine and explain how they are being implemented by medical physicists using magnetic resonance imaging, radiotherapy and other technologies. This episode was created in collaboration with IPEM, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. IPEM owns the journal Physics in Medicine & Biology. This episode is supported by PTW, the dosimetry specialist.  

This episode features an in-depth  conversation with Shrinivas Kulkarni, who won the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy “for his ground-breaking discoveries about millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other variable or transient astronomical objects”. Based at Caltech in the US, he is also cited for his “leadership of the Palomar Transient Factory and its successor, the Zwicky Transient Facility, which have revolutionized our understanding of the time-variable optical sky”. Kulkarni talks about his fascination with astronomical objects that change over time and he reveals the principles that have guided his varied and successful career. He also offers advice to students and early-career researchers about how to thrive in astronomy. This podcast also features an interview with Scott Tremaine, who is chair of the selection committee for the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy. Based at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, he talks about Kulkarni’s many contributions to astronomy, including his work to make astronomical data more accessible to researchers not affiliated with major telescopes. This podcast is sponsored by The Shaw Prize Foundation

Discover how silicon spin qubits are revolutionizing quantum computing by linking with telecom-band photons for improved scalability. The conversation highlights the challenges of building fault-tolerant systems using a multitude of physical qubits. Explore the rapid growth of a pioneering company in the field and its commitment to innovative hiring. Learn about the transformative potential of quantum computing in areas like drug discovery and cryptography, alongside advice for aspiring professionals in this exciting sector.

David Charbonneau, an astrophysicist from Harvard, and Sara Seager from MIT, discuss their groundbreaking work on exoplanets, for which they received the 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics. They explore the incredible diversity of exoplanets, including hot Jupiters and mini-Neptunes, and dive into innovative methods for studying their atmospheres. The conversation highlights the search for biosignatures of life on distant worlds and the future of exoplanet discovery, underscoring the excitement in this rapidly evolving field.

David Jenkins, a nuclear physicist from the University of York, discusses innovative techniques in teaching nuclear physics, emphasizing data over traditional models to engage students. He also reflects on the cultural impact of films like Oppenheimer on public perception of the field. Joining him is Dale Keeping, helium recovery manager at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, who highlights the critical use of helium in scientific cooling and shares an outreach initiative for recycling helium from party balloons—a clever twist in resource sustainability!

In this engaging conversation, engineers Erin Bell and Martin Wosnik from the University of New Hampshire delve into the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Bell, an expert in infrastructure safety, reveals the factors behind the disaster and shares insights on preventing future failures. Wosnik discusses the innovative Living Bridge Project, which transforms infrastructure into a renewable energy source. Together, they explore the vital intersection of engineering, safety, and sustainability in modern bridge design.

Lily Ellis-Gibbings, a higher scientist at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, shares her passion for building scientific instruments that enhance fields like radiotherapy and astrochemistry. She offers top tips for aspiring physics students. Meanwhile, astrophysicist Alex McDaniel discusses intriguing findings from dwarf galaxies, hinting at dark matter's role through potential gamma-ray emissions. Their conversation highlights the fascinating intersection of advanced technology in scientific research and the quest to unravel cosmic mysteries.

Discover the groundbreaking work recognized by the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, focusing on ultrafast attosecond laser pulses and their role in studying electron dynamics. Dive into insights from experts on the upcoming international symposium celebrating attosecond science. Additionally, explore the excitement of the PLANCKS theoretical physics competition, where students engage in creative problem-solving. It’s a captivating blend of cutting-edge research and fun, showcasing the vibrant community in the world of physics.

Rick Stevens, a computer scientist and cofounder of the Trillion Parameter Consortium, dives into the transformative role of AI in scientific research. He discusses how advanced AI models can enhance trust in scientific findings and streamline research methodologies. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration among researchers in developing effective AI tools. Stevens also explores upcoming initiatives aimed at fostering data sharing and integrating generative AI into scientific practices, underscoring the need for ethical considerations in AI advancement.